Telematics for moving companies
While telematics may seem like a high-tech word that would not at all be beneficial to your moving company, telematics have been benefiting trucking industries for decades. The word “telematics” is derived from “telemetry,” which means to transmit by remote measuring device, and “informatics,” which is an informative service. As evident by the name, telematics is a fusion of technologies that became most popular with OnStar in the 1990s. It functions as a tool to collect, aggregate, and store important data to be analyzed in real time or for reporting and later analysis. Telematics’ fusion of technologies drives efficiency in business.
The features of telematics include:
- Wireless communication, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, terrestrial coverage from regional cell modems, and satellite capabilities for national and global coverage
- Geospatial location, or GPS
- Vehicle data derived from engine functions
- On-board embedded computing
- Back-end servers to enable capturing, reporting, and dissemination of data
Many businesses using transportation services can benefit from investing in telematics, including moving companies. Telematics allows for asset management to see where your equipment (trucks) are located to plan efficient dispatch of jobs or customer service, maintenance management to track vehicle issues through engine diagnostics, driver logs, fuel tax reporting, and other regulatory monitoring such as driver behavior. The ability to communicate and check in with your moving trucks is imperative for efficient, successful business.
One of the most important aspects of telematics for your moving company is GPS, which allows for routing and navigation to be incorporated into the on-board devices. The use of GPS can minimize out-of-route miles, which will in turn reduce fuel costs and make for more efficient jobs. It can improve the safety of your drivers and movers by giving them more information of an unknown territory and provide accurate pick-up and delivery times due to knowing exact locations and routes.
Another piece of telematics that could help improve your moving company is the EOBR, electronic on-board recording. This is an electronic devices that allows drivers to remain compliant with hours of service requirements for drive time restrictions. Limiting the amount of time drives are allowed to drive can prevent driver fatigue, which ultimately could lead to poor performance and potential accidents.
Yes, telematics would be quite the financial investment. But the benefits for your company will bring you out ahead. Having control over your drivers can reduce fuel costs, measuring mileage will lead to more efficient jobs, real time access to diagnostics can reduce maintenance costs, and constant communication can provide for more efficient and better customer service.
Consider the ease of use for your company and drivers before investing, but the possibilities for improvement are endless!
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